# Dry farming of ancestral melon varieties in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dry-farming-of-ancestral-melon-varieties-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-09-11T07:02:09.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Farmers in Turkey are utilizing ancestral seeds and dry farming techniques to produce specialized melon varieties without irrigation water. In Altınova, Afyonkarahisar, producers rely on natural soil moisture and a unique microclimate to maintain the fruit’s aroma and sweetness, leading to calls for a geographical indication to protect the regional heritage.

In Ankara, the harvest of the Mühürlü İpsala melon has commenced. This variety, grown on 80 decares of land, is expected to yield approximately 50 tons. Producers note that the melon has been cultivated on their land for 80 years and is characterized by a round, black-sealed appearance and high disease resistance. While previously a major export hub for cities like Kayseri and Erzurum, the crop is now primarily sold in Ankara’s local markets.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Ankara begins harvest of ancestral seed Mühürlü İpsala melons

The harvest of Mühürlü İpsala melons, grown with ancestral seeds and dry farming methods in Ankara, has begun with an expected yield of 50 tons.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ankara-begins-harvest-of-ancestral-seed-mhrl-ipsala-melons

### 2026-09-01: Altınova farmers produce melons without using irrigation water

Farmers in Altınova, Afyonkarahisar, are successfully cultivating melons without irrigation using ancestral seeds, prompting calls for a geographical indication to protect the unique product.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/altnova-farmers-produce-melons-without-using-irrigation-water

---
Cite as: Dry farming of ancestral melon varieties in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dry-farming-of-ancestral-melon-varieties-in-turkey